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Friday, October 5, 2007

Initially this site is made to focus on AdSense optimization and SEO (Search Engine Optimization) However, I have been receiving emails asking me how does one even get started with a site that can generate income. Hence my topic of "How to get started?"

Let's not even go into Ad affiliates or Tips to get sites ranked or listen when you do not even own a site yet.So here's how to get started. What is a BLOG? A blog is an abbreviated word that stands for weblog. A weblog is a web-based journal in which people can publish their opinions and thoughts on the Internet. Almost anyone can create or start a blog. It's not only easy but in most cases with no cost!The first question you should ask yourself is which tool to use? There are many blogging services available with a variety of different features. Most of them are free, available as an open source, others require some from of programming, configuration, HTML knowledge to get them up andrunning.

For new bloggers who are not 100% sure it's going to work for them or if you are just trying out blogging then Blogger is the tool for you. It costs absolutely nothing, very stable, extremely easy to use. To use this free service, just sign up and you will be guided with the options available.

If you've had a few blogger blogs and wanted to do up a blog with more features but still do not want to invest heavily in technology- go to Typepad. It provides a little more options than blogger- specifically track backs and categories. It costs more than Blogger.

The Steps to get started..

Decide which tool to use for blogging. Here are some service providers: Blogger.com, MuseCrafters.com, Livejournal.com, JournalHome.com, WordPress.com, TheDiary.org, Mindsay.com, Blog.com, Diaryland.com, Blogdrive.com, or Xanga.com. Most of these sites have ready-made tools and templates so just pick one and sign up.

Once you have signed up, you'll be prompted to select from a range of ready-made templates, pick one that is suitable. However note that templates can be changed later on and there are many free templates for download. Then personalize your blog by adding name, images, interests etc.

Decide on whether or not you want your blog to be private or personal: do you want any anyone on the internet to be able to read your blog, or do you just want to limit access to friends and family ? Many blogging sites allow you to set password to your blog so only authorized visitors can read your blog. If you want to monetize your blog later, this may not be something you want to do.

Most often the pre-defined templates work nice, but once you've started to meddle with the internals of the blog you want to change certain things. Blogger allows you to modify the color schemes and layout of your blog really easily.

After you've set up your blog, create a few posts to test it out, and make any fine adjustments to the color scheme or layout as you deem fit. At first, it will seem tough to figure out what to write, but once you get into a routine of daily blogging, you will find it addictive. If you notice there are different kinds of blogs out there, some are generic where like a journal people blog about their daily lives- some can be interesting especially when you are a public figure but otherwise blogging about what you had for breakfast may not entice readers. You may blog about current affairs, a niche topic focusing on a niche market like Auto modification, Sports, Fishing, Health, something which you have passion for really works.

Even if you may have 2-3 posts, it's never too early to START building a blogging circle. visit other similar blog and leave comments. when you leave comments, add your blogging address so they can visit you too.

If you want to make your blog look more attractive, there are some sites up that have many "skins" and templates that might make it look better. One example is blogskins.com, which also comes with Photoshop and HTML tutorials.

Market your blog by forwarding the URL to your friends or publish the URL on your othre websites. Add the URL to posts you make on other blogs. Join Blogging directories, submit to Google serach. (There are more topics relating to Site optimization and SEOs). You are Done with the First STEP.

Notes...

Content is King- and frequency of posts too.If you update your blog frequently, more people will return on a regular basis to read it. By establishing a returning reader base will give you more motivation to work on you blog.

Integrate Blogging into your lives, look at things and think about how you can "Blog-it"

Look at other blogs- pretty blogs always catches the eye.. learn from other bloggers.

Google for similar blogs, get interacted with these bloggers and share thoughts and comments. E.g. if you are blogging about Sports fishing- google for "Fishing Blogs"

Just like anything- it has to be interesting to pull in crowds. As I have mentioned, not many people would want to know that today you saw Jimmy eating an apple in class. Write about your views, suggestions, or even share Tips.

Always spell check your writing before posting.

DO NOT be discouraged if your blog does not receive too many hits or visitors, it often takes some time before your blog gets noticed and start attracting more visitors.

If you want a broad (international) readership, do not use too many abbreviations or slang terms that might not be easily understood by people who are not from your country/area. In my case I'm using the word SHIOK in the title and I took the effort to explain themeaning of this word.

Get interesting news from Yahoo Oddly Enough..., other Yahoo stories, Crayon.net and other websites that you frequently read.

I find Niche is always best. So remember to pick one topic that you are really passionate about. Note that if you want to monetize your site soon you do not want to create a blog that has offensive contents